History of The
Mount Wesley United Methodist Church
by James Staley, 1981
Mt. Wesley Chapel began as part of the “new Jefferson Circuit” in Berkeley County Virginia. What had been the Berkeley Circuit of 1778 included only the Shepherdstown Church. As an outreach of the church, “class Meeting” were held in various homes in the surrounding areas. It was soon realized that the rural village of Scrabble would be a natural for expansion by the fledgling Methodist Church’s expansion. Berkeley County in 1840 consisted of the entire area that now comprises the Eastern Panhandle (what is now Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan Counties).
On April 6, 1831, a deed was drawn up for Mt. Wesley Chapel from John H. Hollida and his wife; to Samuel Taylor, George Hollida, Reason Williams, William Werner, John Williams and Endmund Randall, Mt. Wesley trustees. The deed was recorded on July 4, 1831, in deed book 39, folio 181 at the Berkeley County, Virginia, courthouse.
A small frame structure was soon built on this plat of land (probably in 1834). Little is known of this building other than it contained a gallery upstairs to accommodate their black sisters and brothers.
Class meeting records offer us some frank appraisals of our early members; reasons for dismissal: “because of immorality”, “to please his father” and “gone back to the world-never attends church”. Also shown was the growth that the young church experienced; in 1836 the roll included 33 whites and 1 colored member. Mr. Reason Williams was elected class leader (1834-1836). Mr. Samuel Taylor was elected that year and continued until 1852.
There were at least three classes at Mt. Wesley, 2 white classes and 1 black class with Mr. John Crider as teacher.
The record shows that twice as many women were members than men; this continues even to the present day. In 1852 the Swan Pond class was merged with the Scrabble Class.
In 1839, on May 21, a new brick square church was erected on the site of the former frame church. A service of dedication was held by Rev. Littleton Morgan of Baltimore City and their pastor John S. Deale reminded the congregation of a small debt still owed, this was raised that very day. This church had a large gallery built upstairs, but this was removed about 1910.
In 1840, Mt. Wesley Chapel was added to the Shepherdstown Circuit, prior to this time it had been shepherded by laity and local preachers. At this time there were two churches on the circuit.
A division in the Methodist church, which was to last for 95 years, began in 1844; as churches and families divided over the issue of slavery. This division did not occur locally until the Baltimore Conference divided in 1866.
Rev. John Bowers states in his annual report that in 1852 the charge was in a state of flux when Reinhardt’s school house was added; and in 1853 Unionville (now Uvilla) and Marvins Chapel were added to the circuit, with the Rev. J.W. Tongue being in charge.
Pastor John Marsh, in his report of 1857, says as a result of his revival, 72 whites and 40 colored persons have been added to the roll. He also added two preachers to help with the increased load; Revs S.O. Leach and Thomas T. Wysong.
Then came the spoiler, the war between the states, each side using the new brick church for a field hospital. Our cemetery contains many Civil War dead in unmarked graves. The land and its people were to be scarred for many years to come. After the war, only two churches remain on the charge, Shepherdstown and Mt. Wesley.
Things began to look up again in 1870 according to Pastor Albert Jump. ” A great revival held at Mt. Wesley with 20 souls saved”. Now there were a total of 158 members on the circuit.
In 1872, J.F. Ockerman was called on the circuit and by 1875 “a tidal wave of salvation has engulfed our country with over 150 souls converted and the church has received a powerful baptism”.
In 1876, the Centennial year entry states: “with the presidential election distracting the public mind, this has interfered materially with the prosperity of our Zion, no such exciting times have ever been experienced in the history of our nation”.
In 1877, another plat of land is bought for $100 from the Hollida family. This plat measures 3 roods and 2.86 poles; the first plat measured 1 rood and 3.9 poles. This is recorded in deed book 44, folio 155 on March 8, 1877.
The years 1881 and 1882 dealt with a disappointing revival meeting at Mt. Wesley. “It was held under the most unfavorable conditions, there being a great deal of sickness in the neighborhood, and after the revival was 10 days along, bad weather set in and at the end of two weeks we closed the meetings. Class meetings and prayer service attendance was and still is down, however, the missionary collection is the largest since 1874”. So states pastor Charles O. Cook.
An upswing in the kingdom recorded in 1882 and 1883. “This has been a year of prosperity with revival held at Mt. Wesley, a season of blessing for the church with 7 souls added to the church, quickened and revived. During 1883, the pastor’s first born son, Clifton Haslup Cook died. This is the second death reported among parsonage families; the Rev. Solomon McMullen died while in office on November 20, 1863.
Under marriages, one pastor wrote in 1886, “the current wedding fee is 50 cents”. He also refused to marry one couple because they had a cold. This same year Vanclevesville, Uvilla and Marvins Chapel are added to the charge.
According to the Shepherdstown Register of February 20, 1887: “Pastor James McLaren left the Shepherdstown Circuit after riding over three thousand miles by horseback and carriage, made 900 call, preached 358 sermons, and took no vacation time in his 3 year pastorate”. This same year Sharpsburg church was added to the circuit.
Around the turn of the century, the folks of Mt. Wesley deemed it a good idea to celebrate with their neighbors. In doing so, they began to hold annual “Harvest Home” festivals. At first, these festivals were held in a field behind “Folklands” in Swan Pond. The Shepherdstown Register of August 1, 1907 reports: “Mt. Wesley’s annual Harvest Home festival took place today at W.D. Folk’s woods near Swan Pond”. These festivals continued to be held there, serving two meals a day, until about 1915, when they moved to Mr. Harry Whiting’s barn; and provided an evening meal only. This continued until the new church was built in 1920 and from then until 1964 they were held in the basement of the church and on the lawn, liked features of those early festivals was the serving of Toliver’s homemade ice cream.
An interesting wedding occurred on December 23, 1896; Irene Miller, 20 and Harry Whiting, 24. He was to become our Sunday School superintendent and she our pianist for many, many years.
August 26, 1918: A date to remember to a community already hard hit by the infamous flu epidemic, there was still further trouble in Scrabble town in the form of a tornado touching down and obliterating Mt. Wesley’s brick church. “Not one brick was laid upon another except in the vestibule”, windows smashed, roof gone, only the pews and piano stood amid the rubble. The countryside littered with the debris, trees uprooted, surrounding building, barns and houses damaged.
The community makes a decision: “Others will build if you will not”. “We must have a church here in our community”. Unfortunately, a rift developed in the membership. Some wanting the church rebuilt on the same site, while others want the church rebuilt down in the village of Scrabble. Some members left the church over this decision; however, they did not leave the church until after the church had been rebuilt.
While under construction, services were held in the Scrabble school; while construction began in April of 1919 under the guidance of Robert Maddox.
The community of Scrabble and the hierarchy of the Methodist Episcopal Church combined on April 25, 1920 to celebrate the completion of the new (present) church. Built in the shape of a cross, it became a standard of the denomination for the next nineteen years as an architectural model.
Perhaps the community of Scrabble never had a bigger day as on this occasion. Dignitaries of the church present were: Dr. B.F. Devries, District Superintendent, who led the program. Dr. W.W. McDowell, secretary of Church Extension Society; who preached the sermon. And Dr. John R. Edward, superintendent of the Washington District, who preached the evening service. Misses Mae Siler and Carrie Chamberlain sang while Miss Minna Chamberlain was pianist for the occasion. A new pulpit Bible was given by Mr. Scott Gardner in memory of Allen and Nellie Gardner.
Rev. William Rogers, retiring pastor, told of the money previously subscribed and reported the sum collected that day to retire the debt. The building had cost $9,000, while $6,300 had been raised; that very day $2,700 was raised by the congregation and Mount Wesley was declared free of all encumbrances.
Some of our early superintendents of Sunday School have been; John Dailey, Harry Whiting, George Fulk (Folk) and Elzy Miller; then continuing up and to the present time: Thom Staley, James Small, John Thompson, Jack McKee and our present superintendent Howard Staley.
Our pianists over the years have been: Minnie Dailey, Irene Whiting, Leah Miller, Helen Busey, Fanniebelle Staley, Joyce Boehl, and our present pianist Traci Holiday.
The Epworth League at Mt. Wesley was organized on April 23, 1922; holding their first meeting on May 7, 1922, with Ray Busey as their leader.
The motto of our church is: “A light set upon this (Scrabble) hill”; that light became electric in 1937 with the coming of the line through Scrabble.
As a result of the 1939 uniting conference, the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Methodist Episcopal Church South and the Methodist Protestant church became one in 1940. Mt. Wesley, after 100 years on the Shepherdstown Circuit, joined with Harmony (Marlowe) and Bedington churches. As a result of that merger, the parsonage was sold and Mt. Wesley received half of that sale.
Mt. Wesley was redecorated in time for their homecoming service in 1942. Homecoming began with a week of revival services. The church had been refurbished by Seabor Art Studios of Westernport, Md. At this time, the presentation was made of the two wall hymn boards flanking the pulpit area; these were given in memory of Mr. Harry Whiting and were made by Mr. Fred Kinsell.
In the midst of World War II, Mt. Wesley paid homage to its boys in service with the dedication of a service flag in April 1944.
The women of Mt. Wesley have for long years now provided leadership and untiring efforts to see Christ lifted up in this community. Yesterday and today, our women take a back seat to no one in their contribution to the Kingdom of God.
The Ladies Aid Society of earlier years is now gone; changed their name after the uniting conference of 1939. However, the Ladies Aid contribution is still being felt here in Scrabble.
In 1968, with the merger of the Evangelical United Brethren Church, the Women’s Society of Christian Service came into being. To be replaced with the United Methodist Women.
It would take pages and pages to tell of these dear ladies efforts over the years: furniture purchased, festivals held, farm sales served, rugs made and bought, countless items given to the Glory of God over the years.
Some of our W.S.C.S. presidents, in the more recent years, have been: Madames Marks Miller, Blanche Miller, Edna McKee, Patsy Kendig, Anna Tabler, June Kees, June Thompson, and our current United Methodist Women president is Mrs. Marie Mong.
In 1950, a pulpit Bible was given by Mrs. Frank VanMetre in memory of her mother, Mrs. Bessie Miller.
The Epworth League changed it name in 1940 to the Methodist Youth Fellowship. In 1952, the MYF was revitalized under the guidance of Miss Anna Mong and under the guidance of Rev. C.E. Subock, Jr. They began with 15 to 20 young people; their first leaders were: Jack Henderson, president; Elaine Brady, secretary; Louise Brady, secretary; Robert Brady, treasurer; Joyce Mong, worship with helpers Clara Brady and Nancy Domer; Marie McKee, Friendship with helper Virginia Small; Velma Henderson, Community Service, with helpers Patty McKee and Gardner Henderson; Billy Mong, recreation with helpers Ernest Conner, Carlton Brady and Jackie McKee.
Some of their projects were: sending children to camp, purchased a coat rack, had the “Cross and Crown” painted in the chancel area at a cost of $20.00, had two wooden offering plates made by Mr. Fred Kinsel, and many, many other things.
This good work continued under the dynamic leadership of Mrs. Roland Tabler, who began working with our youngsters in 1962. They, to continued to bless our church in so many ways: painted Wesley Hall, presented brass plaques, gave silver cups to the newborns, held annual Halloween party, gave wedding trays to newlyweds, gifts to the hospitalized, moved graveyard, concreted the basement floor, caroled to community shut-ins and provided flowers for Mothers and Fathers Days, and so much more.
Mr. George B. Folk was the guest speaker at Homecoming on September 29, 1957. Mr. Ned Morrow sang and a solo was sung by Carol VanMeter; following this, a bountiful meal was held in Wesley Hall. The afternoon program featured the Rev. William Beale as speaker, and our own quartet made up of: Elizabeth Staley, Patty McKee, Barbara Brady and Margie Kendig. At this time a wooden cross was presented by Paul Miller and a pair of wooden candlesticks were made by Fred Kinsel.
A further alignment on the charge occurred in 1960 when Bedington church joined with Marvin’s Chapel; while Harmony and Mt. Wesley continued on together, even to the present day.
Our church basement underwent another transformation in 1963, with a coat of paint; at which time it was given the name of “Wesley Hall”.
During the sixties, a pulpit light was given in memory of Sonny Tabler, by his family: a new ceiling light in the choir, given by Blanche and Edwin Sigler; a piano light given by Katherine Haslup: all of these gifts given to the Glory of God.
Another uniting conference met in 1968 at which time a plan of union was devised, to join the Methodist church and the Evangelical United Brethren churches.
The Fiftieth Anniversary, of our present building, was held on May 17, 1970; with our former pastor Rev. Lee Williams, preaching. New United Methodist Hymnals were purchased and put in use, new communion scarf was given in memory of Mrs. Marie Boehl, a silver baptismal bowl was given by Mr. & Mrs Lee Brady in memory of their daughter, Elaine and a new pulpit Bible given by the family of Mr. and Mrs. James L. Small. Also honored that day, three members who were present when the present church was dedicated: Mrs. Charles Myers, Mrs. Clarence Hill, and Mrs. Frank VanMeter. Our choir sang on this occasion as a robed choir, a gift from our sister church, Harmony.
In preparation for the 50th anniversary, the sanctuary was painted, wiring renewed all under the leadership of the president of Trustees: Mr. Jack G. McKee. Velvet curtains were made by Edna McKee and hung in the choir area.
During the seventies the following gifts were given: new altar ware, cross, candlesticks, vases, American and Christian flags. The WSCS and MYF bought tables and chairs for Wesley Hall. Our church was newly carpeted in May of 1972; while the parking lot was enlarged and graveled in July of 1973.
As it had been a while, the Administrative Board of 1977, voted to have a Homecoming service on August 7 at 2 P.M. with two of our former pastors present: Rev. Jay A. Wilcox and Rev. Charles Subock, Jr. The following year, homecoming was held under the auspices of the MYF of the forties and fifties. The service was held on September 14, 1978, with Mrs. Douglas Hilliard and Mr. Larry Kees giving a nostalgic look at yesteryear.
During the spring of 1979, the United Methodist Women had erected, by Mr. Arnold Stride, Sr., Mr. Tom Jones and others, a beautiful brick lighted bulletin board in front of the church. This was paid for by the women of the church and given to the Glory of God at no expense to the church.
This same year, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Turner purchased a wall light for our choir and Mr. Billy Mong installed it and rewired the unit. Our trustees replaced and installed new pew racks, at which time new hymnals and song books were subscribed by the congregation.
This same year saw the formation of a new young people’s class. They were organized under the inspiration of Mrs. Paul Painter, and bear a great likeness to their name: The Lamplighter Class. Since their inception, they held the first Vacation Bible School in 18 years, during those years VBS was held in conjunction with the Bedington church. They served and provided a dinner for the OMS missionaries and a supper for the moms and dads of Mt. Wesley.
Under the leadership of our pastor, Allan Boehl, the need was placed before us, due to rising fuel oil costs, services would have to be held down in Wesley Hall in order to cut costs, during the winter of 1980. Realizing improvements would have to be made to this end, the Administrative Board authorized the trustees to refurbish and insulate Wesley Hall.
We are most thankful to Donald Griffith, president of Trustees, the trustees, and nearly every active member of our church for their help in realizing this lofty goal. The work began in the spring of 1980, the heating system was improved while new recessed lighting was installed. These improvements were added to include the kitchen area with a new sink, cabinets, serving area, and a refrigerator.
This year also saw the first immersion baptism in over 50 years, when five of our folks on the charge were baptized at the First Baptist Church in Martinsburg.
As part of our Sesquicentennial observance, the Lamplighter class has completed a “Hand print Quilt” which hangs today in Wesley Halls. This is a record of willing hands at Mt. Wesley Church in 1981. Also given a lighted symbol of our denomination, the Cross and Flame, built by Earl Hays and given by the family of Mr. and Mrs. James L. Small.
The words of a previous history, 1956, still rings true today: “Scrabble church is erected high on a hill west of the village of Scrabble, the church stands like a shepherd in a position to watch over the flock that live in the peaceful community below”.
Yes, after 150 years, we’re still “a light set upon Scrabble hill”. Didn’t Jesus say “Let your light so shine before men that others will see your Father in heaven?”
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Update dated October 9, 1994
Let me bring you up to date now on some history. We are the ones making history. It is our names that will be recorded as forefathers by our grandchildren and great grandchildren and all future generations.
Our United Methodist Women are still having bake sales, yard sales and suppers to help with the upkeep of the church. They are glad to provide each church family with the devotional booklet, “The Upper Room”
The Lamplighter class who organized in 1981 and reinstated Vacation Bible School will have their 14th Bible School for the children of the church and community this summer.
In 1981 history it was noted that the Epworth League, now the United Methodist Youth Fellowship held its first meeting May 7, 1922 with Ray Busey as leader. Mr. Busey now 96 and a guest at Heartland Nursing Home is with us today.
In 1980 the Scrabble Scramblers 4-H club was organized by Barbara Kendig. It meets in Wesley Hall. It was the first club to participate in the “Adopt a Highway” program to rid our highways of litter.
In 1982 we drilled the well and in 1983 we added the bathrooms. Now we do not hear “follow the path and watch out for the snakes”. Remember those words.
To preserve the beauty of the open rafters and help with heating the church in 1984 we added the ceiling fans.
A bell has been added to the bell tower. The ministers ring it to tell us they have arrived and let the service begin.
In 1991 as they did in 1944, we stood behind our men and women in the service of their country. During the Saudia Arabia conflict or Desert Storm as most of us knew it, we took off the Christmas decorations and took the tree outside and filled it with yellow ribbons. Our way of saying come home soon and safely and thank God most of them did.
June 1993 was a very hard and sad time for us. Rev. Allan Boehl after teaching Bible School, Thursday, June 24, 1993 suffered a fatal heart attack. We lost a minister but far above that we lost a brother in Christ, friend, counselor and leader.
Rev. Dennis Jackman filled in for a few months and in September 1993, we added Rev. Donald Gribble to the list of the clergy serving our church.
1993 was replacement year as we had to replace the furnace. Then we “crowned” our church with a new roof. We note that the roof cost twice as much as did our church in 1920.
In 1994 we adde a cross to our steeple and today, October 9 we dedicate it to the memory of our late minister and friend of twenty five years, the Rev. Allan Boehl.
It has been said the church stands over Scrabble like a shepherd watching over its flock, as as we see the Scrabble area grow may we increase our flock for the Glory of God.
P.S.
The Lamplighter Class gave a plaque in recognition of the dedication of the cross to Rev. Boehl.
A $500 gift in the memory of Elizabeth Staley Henretta made it possible to put new doors on the church.
A $1000 gift in the memory of Catherine Willingham Rice made it possible to purchase our sound system.
Mt. Wesley Clergy Register
| 1831 | William Monroe Tobias Riley |
| 1832 | J.M.R. Morgan William Hauh |
| 1833 | William Hauh G.W. Humphreys |
| 1834 | G.W. Humphreys Norval Wilson |
| 1835 | Job Guest Mabury Goheon |
| 1836 | John Howell William Evans |
| 1837 | M.G. Hamilton |
| 1838 | Jarob Larken William Eggleston |
| 1839 | Robert Cadden |
| 1840 | David Thompson |
| 1841 | Samuel S. Roszell |
| 1843 | Joseph Plotner John Smith |
| 1845 | John Guyer John M. Green |
| 1846 | Wilson L. Spotswood John Smith |
| 1847 | Henry Farring Wilson L. Spotswood |
| 1851 | John W. Tongue John Bower |
| 1853 | John S. Deale |
| 1855 | Elias Welty William Hirst |
| 1857 | William Hirst James H. Marsh Samuel Leach |
| 1858 | Thomas Wysong Thomas Briely |
| 1859 | Issac Gibson J. M. Little |
| 1860 | Solomon McMullen* W.G. Eggleston |
| 1863 | J.M. Little |
| No Appointments until 1866 due to Civil War | |
| 1866 | John M. Green |
| 1868 | George Feelmeyer |
| 1870 | Albert Jump |
| 1872 | J.F. Ockerman |
| 1873 | Henry Nice |
| 1875 | John W. Smith |
| 1877 | John B. Hall |
| 1878 | Durbin Miller |
| 1881 | Charles Cook |
| 1884 | James McLaren |
| 1887 | H.C. McDaniel |
| 1891 | Philip Edwards |
| 1893 | James R. Shultz |
| 1896 | W. Mck. Hammack |
| 1899 | W. Irving Dice |
| 1903 | A.H. McKinley |
| 1905 | C.F. Bonn |
| 1908 | W.A. Lytle |
| 1912 | J.P. Feltner |
| 1914 | William Rogers |
| 1920 | John A. Grose |
| 1924 | L.I. McDougle |
| 1927 | Francis H. Love |
| 1931 | Lee Williams |
| 1933 | Robert Bartlett |
| 1936 | John Field |
| 1937 | Lawrence Haddaway |
| 1938 | John W. Webb |
| 1940 | Wendell Allen |
| 1942 | C. Lewis Robson |
| 1944 | Ernest Harrison |
| 1951 | Charles Subock, Jr. |
| 1954 | William S. Wise |
| 1957 | Ray R. Haynes |
| 1960 | Jay A. Wilcox |
| 1965 | Leon H. Smith |
| 1968 | Allan N. Boehl* Dennis Jackman |
| 1993 | Donald Gribble |
| 1997 | Ray Roberson |
| 2000 | Gil Lockwood |
| 2010 2023 | G Edward Grove Forrest Cummings |
* Pastors who died in office
Mount Wesley Circuits
| 1831 – Jefferson (Virginia) |
| 1840 – Shepherdstown |
| 1940 – Harmony, Mt. Wesley and Bedington |
| 1960 – Harmony and Mt. Wesley |
| 1980 – Marlowe: Harmony and Mt. Wesley |
| 2003 – Greensburg and Mt. Wesley 2022 – Mt. Wesley |